Godolphin to lay down Law in Leger
The day's highlight in Britain the Betfair St Leger, the final Classic of the year, can go the way of Rule Of Law, who represents the crack Godolphin outfit, goes on any ground and has had a trouble-free preparation.
The son of Kingmambo has done little wrong this term, running a fine race behind North Light in the Dante at York before filling the same runner-up spot behind Sir Michael Stoute's colt in the Vodafone Derby.
He had to settle for fourth in the Irish equivalent, but that was no disgrace and he confirmed he was still going the right way with a smooth all-the-way success in the Great Voltigeur back at York last month.
He has a slight stamina doubt, but Sheikh Mohammed's operation are in terrific form at the moment and know exactly what is required to win this race.
Tycoon is potentially a serious danger and he could well have been favourite today had he not run a shocker in the Juddmonte International.
That was not a true reflection of his ability and a return to the sort of form which saw him pip Rule Of Law for third at the Curragh before finishing an unlucky-in-running sixth in the King George would see him go close.
Best bet on the supporting card looks to be Sumora in the Polypipe Flying Childers Stakes.
Gerard Butler's filly is progressing nicely and is unbeaten in two starts.
The daughter of Danehill has bags of speed and was very impressive when a smooth winner in Listed company at Newbury last month.
Bonecrusher has been a bit unlucky this season but has several times suggested there is a decent race to be won with him off his current mark and he could be the answer to the ladbrokes.com Handicap.
His last race at Haydock was not run to suit a come-from-behind horse and before that he was a fast-finishing third at Goodwood after getting into an impossible position, so he is certainly worth another chance.
There is a decent card at Goodwood on Sunday, where it is surely time for the luckless Texas Gold to get his head in front in the £25,000 totepool Stakes.
The William Muir-trained six-year-old is in the rudest of health at the moment but circumstances have very much conspired against him on his last two starts.
He first came unstuck at in a competitive handicap at Epsom at the end of last month when he was hemmed in behind a wall of horses and had to be switched widest of all to make his challenge entering the final furlong.
He finished with a real rattle, but had too much to do and failed by half a length to peg back Atlantic Viking.
That was unfortunate, but not as bad as the fate he suffered in the Portland at Doncaster on Tuesday.
Muir's charge ended up racing on the far side in a group of three as the rest of the field came up the stands rail.
He is a confirmed hold-up horse, but the others could not take him far enough and he ended up in front with a furlong and a half to run.
He made a brave effort to hold on, but was collared in the shadow of the post by Halmahera.
Those losses are only leant and he cannot be ignored at the weekend in this kind of form.
Muqbil is the one to beat in the Group Three Select Racing UK On Sky 432 Stakes.
The son of Swain is a classy sort on his day and lost nothing in defeat when chasing home the ultra-progressive Mister Monet in similar company at Haydock last time out.
He was just touched off by Leporello in this race last year and looks booked to go one place better.
Cyclical won with plenty of authority on his debut and can make it two wins from as many starts in the Celer Et Audax Nursery Stakes.
The Gerard Butler-trained youngster runs in the colours of Cheveley Park Stud and his dam is a half-sister to their brilliant two-year-old filly Soar.
